Shielded service signal for counters



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SHIELDED SERVICE: SIGNAL FOR coUNTERs Filedpeo. 17, 1947 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 31, 950

SHIELDED SERVICESIGNAL FOR COUNTERS Kenneth S. Trenholm, San Diego, Calif., assigner of five per cent to Lynoid L. Claydon, San Diego,

Calif.

Application December 17, 1947, Serial No. 792,221

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a service signal, adapted to be mounted on `fountain or lunch counters or the like.

It is a well known fact that especially during busy times, a customer at a counter may find it very dimcult to obtain the attention of the counter attendant. This is "an irritating occurrence, and reacts to the embarrassment and inconvenience of the persons on both sides of the counter. f

The main object of the present invention is to provide an installation for a counter whereby a customer is enabled to convey his desire for service to the attendant immediately, and whereby, further the attendant can by a quick glance know exactly which customers are in need oi service.

Still another important object is to provide a device of the type stated which is so formed as to be capable oi serving not only as a service signal, but also as an advertising display and menu holder.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawing Figure l is a front elevational view of a device constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Figure 1, a portion of a counter being shown in dotted lines.

Figure 3 is a section on line 3--3 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the reference character 5 designates a front panel, which can conveniently be formed from wood, metal, or any other suitable material. In the present instance, the panel is of relatively elongated and rectangular conformation, and is adapted to be vertically mounted against the back of a counter C, so as to project above the top surface thereof. The lower end of the panel has been designated by the reference numeral 6, and permits the panel to be secured to the back of the counter by any suitable fastening means, not shown.

To the iront face of the upper end of the panel 5 are secured a pair of guides 1. These are mounted so as to extend longitudinally of the side edges of the panel, and are adapted to receive a celluloid window 8, behind which .can be remov- 2 ably inserted a card on which is imprinted advertising material. Since the card itself constitutes no part of the present invention, it has 5 is a rear panel 9 which is shorter than the 9 isassembled with 'the front panel by means of` front panel, extending from the top of the front panel to the plane of the counter surface. A space IIl is defined by the two panels, in which can be placed a menu or the like. The rear panel side members I I. These members extend for wardly of the iront panel, so as to overlie the upper surface of the counter C. The forwardly projecting portions are inclined, and extended therebetween is a switch panel I2.

Mounted in the front panel 5 and behind the switch panel I2 is a lamp socket I3, which opens to the rear. Screwed into the lamp socket is a bulb I4, which projects rearwardly and slightly beyond the rear panel 9. The bulb is in circuit with a switch I5, mounted in the switch panel, that is provided with lever I 6 for the convenience cf the customer and the attendant. Power is supplied through a cord I1, which can be plugged into a suitable circuit. As will be understood, such a circuit would include other devices like that illustrated, it being intended that there be one such device mounted before each seat, or before pairs of adjacent seats.

It is to be noted that the rear panel 9 is formed with an opening I 8 through which the lamp bulb I4 extends. Thus, the rear panel serves not only as a means for placing a menu in the device,

but also, is a protective means for the bulb, preventing accidentalr breaking of a bulb by an attendant as he moves along the counter.

It will now be seen that with a device of the type described and illustrated mounted against the back of a counter in front of each seat, an attendant can tell at a glance which customers desire service, since the customer is enabled, whenever he desires service, simply to close the switch IB. Thus, the attendant can observe at one time all ilhuninated bulbs. When the attendant has ascertained the customers wants, the attendant can simply flick the switch, so as to turn off the light.

It may be further noted that where there are a number of counter attendants, each having separate stations, lamp bulbs of different colors can be used, with each color being limited to a particular station.

Another important characteristic of the device is the fact that it not only serves as a means for signifying the necessity of service, but additionally, is a combined menu holder and advertising display. The device, while serving these various purposes, yet takes up a complete minimum of space, most of the device being positioned rearwardly of the counter, though not to an extent which would be bothersome to the counter attendants.

By use of devices of this type, the important advantages are obtained of increased efficiency in waiting on customers, increased sales by giving customers prompt service, and a direct display of advertising material where the customer cannot help but see it.

It is believed obvious that each unit can draw its power from a battery mounted in association therewith, rather than from the house circuit.

What is claimed is:

2. A service signal installation including a at front panel adapted for vertical mounting at the back of a counter and including a lower portion abutting against the counter and an upper portion projecting above the counter, a flat rear panel disposed back of the front panel and in spaced parallel relation thereto, side members connecting the front and rear panels and overlying the top of the counter, a switch panel extended between the side members, a lamp socket mounted in the upper portion of the front panel and rearwardly extended therefrom, the rear panel being formed with an opening concentric with the socket and through which a lampbulb is adapted to bev partially extended so as to be shielded by the rear panel, and a switch carried 'by the switch panel in circuit with the signal device.

l. A service signal installation for a counter Y KENNETH s. TRENHOLM.

` REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number ,Name Date 1,149,933 Martzolf Aug. 10, 1915 2,299,379 Cargill Oct. 20, 1942 2,305,656 Yopp Dec. 22, 1942 2,339,417 1 Foresman et al Jan. 18, 1944 

